Coalition can’t stop pension rises for ex-ministers

The Coalition says there is nothing that can be done to prevent former ministers getting pension hikes amid calls for the public sector pay-linked increases to be scrapped.

Public Expenditure Minister Brendan Howlin said his hands were tied on the increases, which will see members of the previous government, among others, see their six-figure pensions rise even more.

While Fianna Fáil figures yesterday said the hikes were unjustifiable, the Labour minister said little could be done as they were part of the Lansdowne Road pay deal.